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Momentum’s something special

By
The Guru

Story Created:
Apr 21, 2014 at 12:10 AM ECT

Story Updated:
Apr 21, 2014 at 12:10 AM ECT

“He is something special,” joint champion jockey Brian Boodramsingh, who has ridden the colt in all four starts, said when asked about his mount Momentum in today’s 1,800-metre NLCB Easter Guineas at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.It is the start of the Triple Crown series with the 62nd running of the Easter Guineas and the unbeaten Momentum will be the centre of attention when starter Carlton Ramsaroop sends the seven runners on their way in the $315,000 showpiece, which is the ninth race on the 11-race holiday card.Speaking to the Express in the Santa Rosa Park paddock yesterday, Boodramsingh said in response to questions about the colt’s stamina, “Yeah, he will get the trip. I am confident and I am going out not over confident, and will not let the occassion get to me.”For a Grade One contest it lacks quality, and only Momentum has the profile for a race of this magnitude. The John O’Brien trainee won last year’s Nursery Stakes on his debut, then St James Stakes, before beating imported maidens in his 2014 bow, and on his latest outing copping the graded Flamingo Stakes, winning with his head in his chest. The Jamaica-bred Spitfire is a winner of a maiden contest by 18 lengths— beating Cramers Rule in Jamaica. Even though making his local debut in a Grade One event, he has to be respected. However, the Glenn Mendez trainee appears to have some issues, as he has been training with blinkers, but is not racing with it. The horse who could spring the upset is another Jamaica-bred, Justcallmebas. He finished third to Momentum in the Flamingo Stakes, beaten nine lengths, but was brought wide up the homestretch losing valuable ground.The 1,600-metre NLCB Champagne Stakes on the turf is now reduced to six runners with Bigman In Town out. Gold Cup winner Headline News will be all the rage in the market. On paper, his stablemates Chase The Dragon and Kidz Ro, based on their turf runs, should chase him down. But Headline News could be in for a surprise from Buffalo Soldier and Sacred Trust, although jockey Abrego, who partners Headline News, said: “Soup again.” The horse that caught everyone’s attention yesterday morning, when going through the mandatory veterinary inspection, was Sacred Trust. She is at the top of her form and could pop Headline News in the Champagne and will be value for money. First post is 11.00 a.m.